Mail us to

ray@chimneysweep.com

Call for help:

+1-804-244-6639

Monday - Friday

8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Corporate Location

3500 Virginia Beach Blvd, Suite 608 VB, VA 23452

Your Most Asked Chimney Sweep Questions Answered

When is the best time to get a chimney sweep?

The best time to get a chimney sweep is when heating season is over. Spring is the best time to schedule a chimney sweep. A Step In Time will remove the creosote buildup to prevent deterioration of your chimney’s flue from the inside out. This also helps to remove the odor from the creosote buildup that commonly occurs throughout the humid months. 

Doing an inspection during the springtime ensures that you have plenty of time to make any necessary repairs prior to next heating season.

How frequently should I clean my chimney?

An annual inspection of all the chimneys in your home should be a regular part of your yearly maintenance plan. This will determine the extent of further cleaning you need. No matter what type of fuel you use in your chimney, all chimneys are exposed to drastic weather conditions. For wood-burning fireplaces, we tend to recommend the general rule of thumb: cleaning after every cord of seasoned wood is burned. 

Even homeowners who no longer use their fireplace or may only burn it once in a while should not overlook the importance of this step in their home’s maintenance – even an occasional fire can cause buildup in your chimney.

Will there be a mess after I get a chimney sweep?

No, we take every precaution to ensure your house is as clean when we leave as it was when we came in. Before getting started, we set down protective drop cloths and if necessary, we will mask off the area. Once we’ve finished the chimney sweep, we use a powerful vacuum specially designed for chimney sweep cleanup to ensure we’ve picked up all of the dust that results from an effective chimney sweep. 

What is a chimney inspection and when should I get one?

An annual chimney inspection is required by the National Fire Protection Association and is a more in-depth evaluation of the interior and exterior. Your chimney will be examined and evaluated from top to bottom. We’ll check for deterioration of mortar joints or the chimney flue. We’ll check for cracks in the crown and also examine the firebox area which includes the damper and smoke chamber.

Do I need chimney caps?

Yes, all chimneys should be capped. Caps prevent natural elements and animals from getting inside your chimney. While chimney fires can do lots of damage to the inside of your chimney, water and moisture can too. Waterproofing, crown sealer, and caps are going to be a vital part of preserving your chimney. 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to give us a call!